Scotch Plains-Fanwood and Westfield

The Raiders and Blue Devils -- that would be Scotch Plains-Fanwood and Westfield respectively -- played one of the better games of the year last year.

Westfield, 1-9 in 2006, beat Scotch Plains-Fanwood 28-21 on its way to a 6-4 season. Westfield didn't make the state playoffs, but Scotch Plains-Fanwood did. The Raiders finished 4-6.

Will it be different for either?

Westfield will come into the season with a four-game winning streak and without versatile quarterback Tom Bonard, now at Montclair State.

Here's part of what's back -- Malcolm Allen, the senior running back, rushed for seven scores last year and junior Ricardo Johnson, who returned two kickoffs for touchdowns last year, could become one of the more exciting players in the area. Senior Joe Val Llobera should be a impact player at linebacker.

Senior middle linebacker/tight end Keith Baker, who has committed to playing at Temple University, should be a dominating player on both sides of the ball for Scotch Plains-Fanwood. The Raiders are going to be different, having graduated backs Tom Pennella, Greg Brand and the versatile Kyle Rowbotham.

Quarterback Mike Chervenyak returns after throwing eight touchdown passes last year. He'll have receivers Kyle Mihansky and Marcus Green to throw to along with Baker. Junior fullback Kameron Williams and junior tailback Anthony Taylor will be new to the varsity.

Defensive end Jason Boff, senior lineman Mike Alleman and Baker will be the key to the defense. Alleman was the Meet of Champions shot put champion in the spring.

Scotch Plains-Fanwood scrimmages at Immaculata Aug. 31 at 10 a.m.